The red moon returns

Chapter 23 The technique of selling two goods for one product (big chapter, updated today)
  Without thinking about the danger for a moment, Lynch had decided to accept the commission.

Even if it is to save his life, there is no room for hesitation.

But in order to gain the initiative, no matter what he thought in his heart, he still made a hesitant expression on his face, as if his heart was full of struggle: "Tell me the details first, and I will decide after listening."

"Oh, kid, you have the word "promise" written on your face." The old man smiled kindly.

Lynch thought about it carefully, and he was acting with an old man in his sixties or seventies who had a high position and had been dealing with people for decades.

Seems kind of stupid.

He simply stopped acting and said angrily: "I can accept it, but at least let me know what I want to investigate."

"The Best Tunnel is part of a new railway. I need you to conduct an investigation on this railway and finally give me an investigation report."

"What about the content?"

"In one month during the planning and design of the entire railway, three of the twenty-four master craftsmen who were invited to study and discuss died in the Rhine City. One had ulcers all over his body for no reason, and one put himself into a steam forge. They were smashed into mincemeat, and one of them cut open the stomachs of three pregnant women and then cut his own neck." The old man said with a gloomy face, "In the past year when we went into the mountain to survey, members of the survey team died every month. News, including a professor of archeology and geology from Norin University in the royal capital."

"During the six months of the project preparation period, there were three project directors in a row. One of the first two drowned in his dry toilet, and the other choked himself to death with an apple on a plate of roasted suckling pig on the dining table."

"These are only the more important personnel. Ordinary workers died more. Coupled with today's incident, the number of victims is too many to count."

"So I hope you will conduct an investigation on this railway, as systematic and detailed as possible, not only what happened, but also the truth behind it. Is it mysterious or man-made, or is it half mysterious and half man-made? If it is a mystery, has it been solved? Possible? If it is man-made, which part is man-made, what forces are involved, what is their respective position, what they may have done, what is the hidden story behind it, and whether the evil god or even the true god is involved."

"I only have one request for this report. You don't have to have any uncertain content, but for the content that appears, you must maintain an objective and neutral position as much as possible, and you must ensure it is true, at least subjectively true."

Lynch took a deep breath. The whole project seemed to be cursed. Every detail was weird, much weirder than what he encountered the night before, and it made his hair stand on end.

Is this the normal state of the mysterious world? If I become a soul-shifter in the future, I will have to deal with this kind of incident frequently?
  Apart from being frightened, he couldn't help but feel an uncontrollable expectation and curiosity in his heart, which made him think for a moment before replying: "I need to know more details."

"There are no details. I won't tell you more details. Including the information about the tunnel itself, everything needs to be checked by yourself." The old man said without thinking, "I ask you to be objective and neutral, but everything I tell you All my words contain my position and my subjective views, and I am the client. You can filter other people’s attitudes, but it is difficult for my position not to affect your final conclusion. So I will not disclose anything to you. Find your own way to find out, these are not secrets anyway."

Lin Qi pursed his lips and had no objection to this, but this attitude only made him more curious about this commission. He couldn't help but ask: "It's been going on for several years, but your church hasn't investigated it?"

"The client is not me. His identity needs to be kept secret. I only found out about it this morning." The old man explained, "I came late this morning not because I really got up late, but because I went to meet him. He asked me to find a candidate. Conduct an investigation. He is not so sensitive to mysterious events. He did not pay attention to them before, but he has felt more and more something is wrong recently."

No wonder.

Lin Qi nodded: "But why are you looking for me? I really can't figure it out. I really need Hongyue's memories, but what makes you trust me to trust me? Not only do you have so many people under you, but there are also many more professional people outside. A private detective."

"The content you are asked to investigate includes the attitudes and hidden secrets of all parties, my child." The old man laughed and said, "Indeed, he and I have many more suitable subordinates, but these people have already shown that we are A clergyman cannot express his position, and his own position cannot be expressed casually. Besides, it is impossible for our candidates to have a pre-set position, and the results of the investigation will hardly meet expectations. As for third parties, aren’t you? ?I think you’re totally qualified, and they’re not as reliable as you.”

"Ok?"

"You have no affiliation with us at all. No matter what you do, you can't be reminded of us, and your intelligence can't keep up. The key is that I observed it all the way in the morning and found that this is a stupid rookie who can even knock on a sap. It’s wrong, but you are principled in your conduct, why can’t I give you the task?”

"Besides, it's just a rookie picked up on the roadside. It wouldn't hurt if he died, right?"

"No, it will hurt. I still like you very much. When the time comes, I will personally pray to the goddess for you."

"No need, I don't think it's needed." Lin Qi thought for a while and asked, "What about the investigation methods and confidentiality? Are there any requirements?"

"No, you decide for yourself. You don't need to hide my existence. You just need to limit the commission to the specific incident this morning. It would be strange not to send someone to investigate such a big incident. It is estimated that the Rhine City will soon Half of the private investigators will be focusing on Crown Plaza, so it’s not worth noting that you are one more.”

The degree of freedom is so high.

Lynch was already tempted, but he rolled his eyes and showed a strange smile, "I can accept this commission, but there is a problem that I need to explain in advance."

"You said."

"Do you think that for such a complex commission with such wide implications, it is possible to complete the investigation within a month?"

The old man made a move, remained silent for a moment and said, "It's really difficult, so what do you mean?"

"It's a bit shameless to ask you to pay for Red Moon Memories in advance, but it's life-threatening to pay later. Let's make a compromise. I'll complete the preliminary investigation within a month and give you an initial investigation report. Then you can Red Moon's memories are paid to me in advance, and I will complete the follow-up investigation. You also said that the investigation is very dangerous, whether it is mysterious or the forces under investigation may kill me. This can also be regarded as strengthening my strength in disguise. Improved investigation effectiveness.”

"Haha, you do know how to settle accounts, but for good reasons, I accept this proposal."

"Wait, wait, wait, there are more." Lin Qi rubbed his hands. No matter which world church there is, he should be a wealthy person. If he is soft-hearted at this time, he will cry for the rest of his life. "Dear Archbishop, I am a A very depressed detective with no money in his pocket..."

"Do you know how much a sacred memory costs on the black market? The cheapest one starts at a hundred pounds." The old man said with a half-smile, "I can hire a very poor private detective for twenty pounds. .”

"Hiss, but I am indeed a poor man." Lynch almost wrote the words "I am very poor, please give me money" on his face. "The investigation not only requires frequent contact with various forces, but also requires the bribery of informants. It costs money to go to various relevant locations for on-the-spot investigation. I once knew a very unscrupulous small factory owner who actually refused to give me an advance payment. You represent the will of the gods and you will definitely not do such a thing. Let’s do it.”

"Praise the Lord, everything is for the glory of the dark night." The church is rich and powerful, so the old man didn't think about it at all. He just laughed and gasped, "There is no way, in order to defend the honor of the Lord, we can't do such immoral things. Let's do this. It is estimated that during the three-month investigation period, you will be reimbursed five pounds per month, but you must actually reimburse the expenses, and the receipts must be reviewed by the church. In addition, within one month, you give me the initial investigation report, and I will submit it to you. I’ll leave Ms. Crimson’s memories to you, but you must promise to give me the complete report within three months.”

Tsk, I'm really a genius. Not only did I save my life, I also got fifteen pounds of reimbursement. Although it is said that you will be reimbursed in real terms, you have been taught a lot before traveling and you know how to "reimburse yourself in real terms".

Of course, such a secret commission could not have a contract. Lynch shook hands with Archbishop Trinleth and signed the contract on the spot, then picked up his cane, hugged a cardboard box, and left the Dark Night Cathedral with satisfaction.

The threat of death still hangs over my head, but at least I have found a clear direction, completed the entrusted preliminary investigation, regained my soul from the evil god, and then I can enjoy my new life to the fullest.

However, how should we investigate such a strange case?

After walking out of the Dark Night Cathedral, Lynch once again organized his thoughts in his mind according to his habit when chasing criminal investigation dramas, and listed the information he needed to know now.

First of all, detailed information about this railway, which is the basis of all questions. Only with this can we further understand those strange events.

Secondly, there is information related to the Best Tunnel. Now it has caused a lot of controversy. It is necessary to find out why.

Again, today’s protest and other related events are still unknown information, but today’s protest is actually an extension of the case and has a huge impact, so we must understand it clearly.

Someone wanted to create panic from four directions at the same time. Although he and Archbishop Trinleth blocked one of the directions, the incident still happened. This was clearly a deliberate attempt to cause chaos, most likely to disrupt the protest. Although the murderer escaped due to the chaos that followed, at least the murder weapon was left behind, which may be a breakthrough.

Well, let’s clarify the first two questions first, and then start with the third breakthrough. Okay, that’s it.

It's just that these investigations, especially the third item, are very difficult and dangerous. I'm just an ordinary person. I can't hit anyone with a broken cane. I have to find a way to protect myself first. .

Do it simultaneously. Having made up his mind, Lynch took a deep breath. When he looked up, he saw a face almost in front of him, staring at him.

shit.

Lynch suddenly stepped back and bumped into a streetlight on the side of the road. He covered his head and squatted down on the spot, but he had already realized that it was a familiar face that was beautiful and upright.

Officer Natalie Angell.

"It hurts me so much, why are you here, Officer Natalie."

"I still want to ask. You have been standing here for several minutes. The police are hesitating whether to send you to the Hall of the Dead or the Hall of Order."

Only then did Lynch realize that he had been distracted after leaving the Dark Night Cathedral and had inadvertently returned to Crown Plaza.

The scene here has almost been cleaned up. A group of people in blue uniforms are carrying buckets and mops to clean up the remaining blood stains and dirt. There is no pedestrian around the square for the time being, and it is still blocked.

Five or six people in dark formal suits gathered not far away. There were several familiar faces among them, all of whom they had met in the bar of the Scarecrow Club yesterday. Even the gentle Mr. V was there.

Yes, if such a big thing happens, especially related to strange objects, the Watchers will definitely get involved.

"Huh? In just a few minutes, you happened to encounter an incident?" Listening to Lynch's explanation, Officer Natalie looked at Lynch suspiciously, "Why did this kind of mysterious bad luck happen to you again? .”

Yes, I also want to know why. I have just traveled through time for three days and encountered several mysteries. Is this good luck or bad luck?

"Forget it, if you finish your work, leave quickly. This place will be closed for a few days, and the watchers will probably be keeping an eye on this matter during this time."

Um? Lin Qi suddenly felt something in his heart.

Yes, the Watchers are here too.

The archbishop repeatedly emphasized that this investigation was very dangerous, and that he was just an ordinary person and couldn't do anything about it. However, the police officer's combat effectiveness was not low. If she was also involved in the investigation, he would be much safer.

If it had nothing to do with her, then she certainly couldn't be put in danger.

But investigating the tragedy itself is the responsibility of the Watchers, and both parties can cooperate.

Anyway, the method of this commissioned investigation is entirely up to you. Hiding it behind the official identity of the Watchman makes it more convenient. There are only advantages and no disadvantages, and... Lynch turned his eager eyes to Officer Natalie.

The police officer suddenly took a step back, showed a fierce expression, and stared at Lynch with a vigilant look, which actually startled him.

"What are you planning?" The police officer bared her teeth and put her hand on the hilt of her sword. "Your eyes are full of evil. You must not have any good intentions."

It's bad, I accidentally showed my eyes looking at the fat sheep.

Lynch quickly rubbed his face, forced out a serious look, hooked his fingers at Officer Natalie, leaned close to the officer and whispered: "I was a witness to the accident."

"Tell me something I don't know." The police officer stared at Lynch warily.

"What do you think of my ability to trace and analyze reasoning?"

This time the police officer nodded without thinking. Lynch had left such a deep impression on her the whole night before yesterday.

"Then do you think it will be helpful to you if you, the Watchmen, hire me as a consultant on this case?" Lynch put on a loyal and honest smile, "I will let them continue to investigate as originally planned, you and I It should be safer to conduct an investigation alone and, to use a saying I’ve heard before, walk on two legs.”

"I always feel that you have bad intentions." Lynch found that women's intuition is really terrible. The police officer thought for a moment, shook her head and said, "Today's situation is different from yesterday. Today's case is too serious. If you want to hire an outsider, you may have to do it." There are sufficient reasons, and it is not impossible to disperse the investigation, but it also needs to be proved that it is necessary. It does not mean that I think you have the ability. You need to convince Victor, which is impossible."

"How about we make another bet?" Lynch raised his eyebrows, "Call Mr. V over for me. I'll talk to him, and I'll definitely be able to convince him to agree. If I lose, the previous bet will be void, and you won't You owe me, but if I win, hey, you owe me another condition, how about that?"

Officer Natalie's face immediately turned red, and she gritted her teeth and glared at Lynch.

"This is also an opportunity for you to have a happy ending. Or do you really want to promise me everything? Or do you want to default on the debt? I'm thinking about you. This opportunity is rare, so you must seize it, police officer."

"Huh, this is what you asked for. Don't regret it. I don't believe you can convince Victor to accompany you in this kind of nonsense. Just wait, I'll call him over, and I'll see how you lose."

Ms. Natalie stamped her foot and strode away, leaving Lynch, who was half-smiling, on the spot.

It seemed that Mr. V still valued Lynch very much. Although he was busy listening to reports from his subordinates, Natalie went over to talk for a while, then put down her work and walked over together.

"Good afternoon, Mr. V." Lynch respectfully stopped teasing the person in charge of the watch, raised his hat and bowed slightly, "I'm sorry to bother you."

"It's okay, Mr. Lynch. I heard Natalie talk about your suggestion. Do you have any special plans or have you made any additional discoveries?"

This is a stable leader. Lynch smiled and handed over the cardboard box in his hand. After opening it, there was a gift box with a ribbon inside: "Take a look at this first."

"Strange object?" Mr. V frowned and asked what he meant with his eyes.

"William's holiday surprise, its story is that I will do my best to exchange for the innocent smiling faces of the children. Although I have not actually used it, the effect should be twelve groups of light that look like fireworks. This is what I just said today. Got it.”

"Fireworks?" Mr. V suddenly realized something, took out his monocle and put it on, lowered his head and carefully checked the box, and said in a deep voice, "The investigation said that there were explosions and flashes in the north, south, south, and south, but not in the west... "

"Well, because I came from the west, I intercepted it on the spot and hit the holder with a stick on the shoulder. Unfortunately, he escaped during the chaos." Lynch said lightly, " I think we can follow the clues in this area with Officer Natalie alone."

"Natalie, you should cooperate with Mr. Lynch these two days to follow up on his clue and mobilize the bureau's resources normally if necessary."

Blink, blink, the police officer opened her mouth slightly, with a look of confusion and disbelief on her face, and then she heard Mr. V continue:

"Mr. Lynch's suggestion just now is very good. In this case, the Watchmen hired Mr. Lynch as a consultant. Natalie, when you have time, you can draw up an entrustment contract and pay five pounds in advance. If the entrustment is successfully completed afterwards, you will pay another five pounds." The final payment is 1 pound, Mr. Lynch, are you satisfied?"

Selling two items for one item is indeed a huge profit. Now that you have some money in your pocket, you can find a way to buy some real self-defense supplies without having to think about self-immolation every time.

Lynch thought to himself, nodded to Mr. V, then showed a bright smile to Natalie and showed two fingers.

The police officer stared at her fingers and smile, her face getting redder and redder, and steam seemed to be coming out of her head. Suddenly she stepped on Lynch's foot, and amidst his wailing, she grabbed his arm and turned around. Walk.

(End of this chapter)